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Special Report From Jutta “Utah” Burden

Real estate investment has provided various investors with positive cash flow, tax benefits and the satisfaction of making an impression in others lives. However like any investment, real estate has intricate nuances and market trends that when ignored can cause an investor great heartache.
Unbelievably, many first-time investors are eager to part with their hard-earned cash without taking the time to revise their investment. They rely on traditional trends and gut feelings. Before you risk your investment, take the time to learn all you can about your market. By aligning yourself with the right professional, you can avoid these 12 common mistakes and you’ll ensure an superb return on your investment. The Woodlands, Texas
1. Failure to Determine Your Time Need- Cash flow, capital appreciation, tax benefits, loss of management, equity pay-down and pride of ownership are just some of the things that need to be addressed before you make that investment. A service-minded real estate professional can be a terrific asset by taking the time to evaluate your needs and making sure you’ve got all your bases covered.
2. Not Checking out the Seller or Seller’s Agent’s Numbers- Claims of extremely high rates of return run rampant in real estate investment. Don’t get caught up in the excitement – check everything: rents, payment history, taxes, expenses, deposits, future modifications… everything! Make sure you have the right agent. It’s like having a good insurance policy against overlooking all the seemingly insignificant but very critical details.
3. Forgetting You’re Buying a Business- Owning investment property carries great potential for creating wealth and… some potentially difficult decisions. Evictions, re-investment into the property and time management all require careful consideration. Remember this is not a “hands-off’ business. More Information
4. Avoid Negative Cash Flow- Property that eats cash every month can drain your working capital. This creates stress, frustration and can become very painful. Predicting constant appreciation is awfully difficult if not impossible for the unseasoned investor. A strain on your cash flow may cause you to sell the investment before the benefits of ownership are ever realized.
5. Failure to do a Complete Inspection- Look under every rock! Hire a professional inspector. Ask the tenants about pest problems, structural damage or persistent problems. Don’t oversee anything! A value-driven real estate professional will help you find the right inspector and can help you avoid pricey mistakes. When investing your hard-earned money, be certain and use sound business judgment!
6. Be Columbo- Check out all your costs and expenses before you sign: utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance and homeowner dues, if applicable. Make sure all utilities are on (gas, electricity, and water), so you can inspect everything in working order. Ask lots of questions and be extraordinarily detail conscious.
7. Do a Final Walk-Through- Visit the property after all the furnishings have been moved out to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Many times, things are unintentionally overlooked that could have been spotted in a final walk- through.

8. Plan For Flexibility- Closing dates are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little extra time to conclude the final arrangements, don’t let these delays displease or aggravate you. These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.
9. If It’s Not In Writing, It Doesn’t Exist- All promises and discussions are to be in writing. Don’t make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. Have your real estate professional keep an ongoing log (in writing) of all discussions, and get the seller’s written approval for all agreements.
10. Loyalty Breeds Loyalty- Be open, honest and up-front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will cause headaches, delays or may even keep you from getting into the house you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right team in the beginning and your first home purchase will be a simple, easy and profitable experience you’ll have fond memories of… for years to come.
My hope with this report has been to educate you and help you avoid the pitfalls many home buyers go through. I hope you found the ideas valuable and if there is ever any way I can be of service to you or anyone you care about, please contact my office. Your initial consultation is always completely free of charge and you’re under no obligation of any kind. We’ll sit down for 15-20 minutes… no high-pressure, just plain, honest talk about what it’s going to take to achieve your personal goals. Go ahead, pick up the phone and give me a call. I’d love to hear from you!
Jutta “Utah” Burden
Keller Williams Realty
Phone (832) 482-2047

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